Stateside ‘Top Gear’ heads into production

History will air new version of popular Brit series

The U.S. version of popular British format “Top Gear” begins production today, with the 10-episode inaugural season scheduled to premiere on History in the fall.

Adam Ferrara (“Rescue Me”), professional driver Tanner Foust and auto expert Rutledge Wood will host the series, which offers a mix of offbeat and action stories about cars, as well as reviews and celebrity interviews.

“The history of the automobile and the history of America are intimately intertwined — to celebrate one is to celebrate the other,” said History prexy and g.m. Nancy Dubuc.

History is co-producing with BBC Worldwide Prods.

“Together we have worked to tailor the format for the American audience, while staying true to the original dynamic that fans across the world have come to love,” said Jane Tranter BBC Worldwide Prods. exec veep of programming and production.

The original “Top Gear,” premiered in Britain in 1977, and over time evolved into BBC2’s most-watched series. Two years ago, NBC commissioned a pilot for a Stateside “Top Gear” (co-hosted by Adam Carolla) that never aired.